SAMPLE ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING

The following comment was printed recently in a local magazine:

"A great deal of what students learn in schools these days is a waste of time"

You are requested to write a composition on this subject.

Start your composition with a sentence that links to the problem you are discussing. EXAMPLE:

I think that most of what we learn at school is useful. The problem is that we do not always realise this fact in the beginning.

Next, set out your opinion clearly. Separate positive and negative points and put them in separate paragraphs. EXAMPLE:

Take Science, for instance. I hated Chemistry lessons when I was younger. I couldn't see the point in doing boring experiments and learning tables. However, now I want to be a doctor, and I appreciate how important Chemistry is. I realise that we had to learn the basics first. Latin was another subject I used to consider pointless too, but now it really helps me understand my medical textbooks.

On the other hand, there were some lessons that really were useless. At my school we all did Cookery. I'm sure we could learn that much better at home! Also, we had to attend Drama classes. I couldn't see the point of this unless someone wanted to be an actor.

Finally, summarise your opinion in the final paragraph and add some further comments. EXAMPLE:

In conclusion, I would say that most of what we learn at school is quite useful. I just wish all teachers would make it clear how the subjects we study can really help us later on in life.

ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING - Connectors

Addition: Also, as well as, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly.

Consequence: Accordingly, as a result, for this reason, therefore, consequently.

Exemplifying: including, markedly, in particular, such as.

Illustration: for instance, for example, as an illustration.

Emphasis: Above all, with attention to, as regards.

Similarity: comparatively, likewise, moreover.

Restatement: in other words, that is to say, in short, in brief, in a nutshell, to put it differently.

Contrast and comparison: conversely, instead, on one hand... on the other hand, on the contrary, however, nevertheless, despite, although

Sequence: at first, first of all, to begin with, in the first place, later on, next, then, soon, later.

Summarizing: after all, all in all, all things considered, in any case, on the whole, in short, on balance, to sum up, finally-

LINKERS OF CONTRAST II

1. ___________ the weather was bad, we enjoyed our trip.
2. The children slept well ____________ the noise.
3. ________________ earning a low salary, Linda gave money to her parents.
4. John rarely sees Paul ___________ they live in the same town.
5. Julie failed the exam ____________ of working very hard.
6. ____________ it was cold, she didn't put on her coat.
7. Tom went to work ___________ not feeling very well.
8. Anna never learned the language ___________ she lived there for two years.
9. ____________ of the difficulty, they managed to climb to the top of the mountain.
10. I couldn't eat _____________ I was very hungry.

LINKERS OF CONTRAST

LINKERS OF CONTRAST. Complete the sentences with the best linker and then, paraphrase the sentences with the cues given

1. ____________ it was raining heavily, we played the match as planned.
Despite ______________________.

2. _____________ my headache I enjoyed the film.
Although ___________________________________.

3. Their new product turned out to be a success _____________ pessimistic market studies.
Although _____________________________________.

4. The speech made the crowd cheer ____________ the minister's lack of preparation time.
__________. However, _____________.

5. I went to work__________ my doctor had told me to stay in bed.
Despite ________________________________.
____________. However, _________________________.

6. ______________I had practised for hours on end, my first golf ball ended up in the trees.
Despite _____________________________________.
Despite _____________________________________.
Despite _____________________________________.
____________. However, ________________________.

7. His career did not really take off ____________ his ambitions.
Even though _____________________________.
_____________. However, ___________________.